From our phones to our tablets, our e-readers to our smart TVs, our smart watches to our laptops, software programs and applications are what make so much of our technology function and integrate into our daily lives. Sometimes they help a business market and sell their product and sometimes the program or app is the product itself, but either way it’s hard to escape a crucial truth: every company is now a technology company. Software developers are so in-demand that the Bureau of Labor Statistics is predicting jobs in this sector to grow 22% over the next decade. 

About Salem’s Online MSIT in Software Engineering Degree

Within the Master of Science in Information Technology from Salem University, we offer a Software Engineering specialization specifically designed to meet the growing demand, focusing on the skills IT professionals need in order to be able to help their clients get a competitive edge in the marketplace. We take a holistic look at the globalized IT industry and the modern tools and strategies driving it, so that we can ensure you’re prepared for the diverse, ever-changing marketplace. It’s not just about technical skills; it’s about impressing upon our students the critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities that will help them become real leaders in their field.

We’ve designed our master’s degree programs to be fully online, with a high-quality curriculum that aims to provide opportunities for professional growth and development; develop skills that allow you to conduct research and integrate theory and practice; and promote excellence in leadership, scholarship, work, and life. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

What Can I Do With a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?

A master’s degree with an emphasis in software engineering can help expand your career opportunities to include advanced and senior-level IT positions, like:

  • Application Development Director
  • Software Engineer
  • Director of Application Development
  • Software Platform Engineer
  • Director of Software Development
  • Chief Information Officer

What Will I Learn in Salem’s MSIT in Software Engineering?

The Master of Science in Information Technology with a Software Engineering specialization will build off the knowledge you acquired in your bachelor’s degree and through work experience in order to build your visionary, managerial, and leadership skills. You’ll explore modern software engineering techniques, learn about agile software processes like DevOps and SRE, and review key AI technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and robotics. Everything you learn throughout your coursework is brought together in a capstone project designed to allow you to demonstrate the skills and abilities you’ve gained during the program.

Your courses will cover topics like:

  • Defining, managing, evaluating, and prioritizing software development projects in a way that best fits the organization’s strategic and budgetary goals
  • Applying management and communications strategies in order to facilitate cooperative and collaborative teamwork
  • Identifying and utilizing systematic, scientific, and technological knowledge and methods to develop artificial intelligence
  • Evaluating past and current software development methods, such as XP, Scrum, ASD, DSDM, Crystal, FDD, and more
  • Developing best practices to solve organizational and business challenges and streamline development processes

What Software Engineering Classes Will I Take in This MSIT Program?

The Master of Science in Information Technology degree program with a specialization in Software Engineering requires the completion of 21 core semester credits that include:

  • IT500 Business Foundations and Processes
  • IT510 Information Technology and Project Management
  • IT520 Risk Assessment and Management
  • IT530 Disaster Recovery and Continuity Planning
  • IT550 Information Technology Architecture and Security
  • IT640 Database Administration
  • IT699 Enterprise Administration (Capstone Project)

You’ll also take 9 credits in the software engineering specialization:

  • IT625 Software Engineering
  • IT635 Agile Development
  • IT645 Artificial Intelligence

How Long Will It Take to Get My Master’s Degree in Software Engineering?

On average, a full-time student can earn their master’s degree with a specialization in software engineering in about approximately 12 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It’d be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or online here. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your Master of Science in Information Technology — Software Engineering degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.